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Definition

An abdominoplasty procedure is a body contouring cosmetic surgery used to make the abdominal skin and muscles thinner and firmer. This involves:

• Removal of excess skin and fat
• Tighten the abdominal muscle and fascia of the abdominal wall

There are different types of abdominoplasties such as:

• Complete abdominoplasty (also known as full tummy tuck)
• Partial abdominoplasty (also known as a mini tummy tuck)
• Circumferential abdominoplasty
• Fleur-de-lis tummy tuck

Alternative name

Tummy tuck; abdominal wall surgery

Description

Abdominoplasty surgery is also known as a tummy tuck surgery that removes excess fat and loose skin and restores weakened muscles to firm the abdomen,

The two common tummy tuck procedures are a full abdominoplasty (full tummy tuck) and a partial abdominoplasty (mini tummy tuck).

Full abdominoplasty entails the removal of excess skin and tightening the muscle in the overall abdomen region, while a partial abdominoplasty removes excess skin under the navel (the belly button) and only tightens the lower abdominal muscles.

After an abdominoplasty procedure is complete, it can take a few months to see the final results, making sure to keep in contact with your plastic surgeon after the operation is over.

Why the procedure is performed

Most of the time, patients who get an abdominoplasty are mothers who recently finished having children. Abdominoplasty can also help:

• Strengthen the core
• Stabilize the spine

This procedure is also recommended for removing fat and extra loose skin from the abdomen after massive weight loss.

Possible complications

Common tummy tuck risks:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Tummy tuck scar
• Wound
• Altered sensation
• Possibility of revisional surgery

Before the procedure

Consult with your plastic surgeon to know what kind of abdominoplasty procedure is best for you.

Stop smoking as smoking can decrease blood flow in the skin and can slow down the tummy tuck recovery process.

It is also important to avoid certain medications, maintain a stable weight and arrange for help after surgery to facilitate the recovery process.

After the procedure

Recovering from a tummy tuck will require significant downtime. However, try to walk every day and avoid exercises that target the abdominal muscles such as the ones below for six to eight weeks:

• Cycling
• Jogging
• Weight lifting
• Aerobic exercise

Outlook (prognosis)

Although you will see immediate improvements after the cosmetic surgery, it is possible that it could take up to three months to see the final results.

There will be at least one tummy tuck scar that will continue to improve for up to a year. Bruising and numbness are very common during the first couple of weeks. Feeling some tightness and a pulling sensation around your abdomen during the healing process is also normal.

Abdominoplasty is a permanent cosmetic procedure and can last a lifetime if you adjust your lifestyle.

References

Hamra ST, Small KH. Cosmetic Body Lift. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2016 Feb;137(2):453-461. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000475757.56086.ab. PMID: 26818279

Matarasso A, Matarasso DM, Matarasso EJ. Abdominoplasty: classic principles and technique. Clin Plast Surg. 2014 Oct;41(4):655-72. doi: 10.1016/j.cps.2014.07.005. PMID: 25283453

Shermak MA. Body contouring. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2012 Jun;129(6):963e-978e. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e31824ecd24. PMID: 22634694